Headline Roundup • April 15th, 2026
'Stop Nick Shirley Act' Passes California Judiciary Committee
Summary from the AllSides News Team
California Democrats are attempting to pass a bill that opponents are calling "Stop Nick Shirley Act."
The Bill: AB-2624 intends to protect immigrant service providers by making it illegal to share photos or personal data on the internet of these individuals when done with an intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite violence. The bill passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and is headed to the Committee on Public Safety next.
Stop Nick Shirley Act: Citizen journalist Nick Shirley, who has posted viral videos on alleged fraud in both California and Minnesota, is calling out the bill as a way to "criminalize investigative journalism with misdemeanors, $10,000 fines, imprisonment, and content takedown." ย
Proponents: Assemblywoman Mia Bonta (D- Oakland) said the bill "strengthens protections for individuals working in immigrant services roles" and "reinforc[es] public confidence."
Critics: Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego), according to California Globe (Center bias), "calls AB 2624 the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' for the chilling effect it will have on free speech and independent journalism." The New York Post (Lean Right) highlighted Shirley's response to the legislation, saying he "slams California bill, claims it would stop videos exposing fraud." Shirley said "The enemy truly is within," adding that "When our politicians would rather protect fraudsters and illegal migrants." The Daily Signal (Right) framed coverage around Assemblyman David Tangipa (R-Fresno), who called it an "unconstitutional" bill that would place limits on journalists investigating taxpayer-funded programs in the state.
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Featured Coverage of this Story
California Democrats are trying to pass a bill to criminalize investigative journalists for violating "Privacy for immigration support services providers."
REUTERS
Conservative influencer and YouTuber Nick Shirley called out a proposed California bill on Monday that he argued would "criminalize investigative journalism," including his viral efforts to expose fraud in the state.
After independent journalist Nick Shirley sparked a national news cycle in January over alleged state-administered fraud, California lawmakers have moved to restrict the activities of independent journalists who question government spending, according to state officials.
